Weber State plans daylong celebration for 125th anniversary

OGDEN — Weber State University is having a birthday party, and you're invited.

On Tuesday, Jan. 7, Weber State will celebrate its 125th anniversary in a daylong event at the Shephard Union Building.

The schedule for the celebration includes 125 musical and entertainment performances, including alumnus Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband, and a 125-square-foot cake depicting a three-dimensional re-creation of Weber State's campus.

The celebration will begin at 7:30 a.m. and culminate at 1:25 p.m., when 12,500 balloons are dropped from the Union Building's atrium ceiling.

"Everyone will have birthday cake and be able to celebrate in the festivities," said Nanci Collinwood, director of alumni relations. "It’s just going to be this huge celebration. It’s going to be a great atmosphere and such a fun party and a great way to start the year."

The event will mark the launch of a $125 million fundraising campaign, university spokeswoman Allison Hess said, which officials hope to complete by the summer of 2016. Funds from the campaign will be used for student scholarships, faculty retention and the enhancement of facilities, including the planned Tracy Hall Science Center, which is currently the state's top higher education construction priority.

The celebration also coincides with the opening of WSU's downtown store at 2314 Washington Blvd. where community members and students can purchase merchandise and event tickets as well as register for classes and pay fees.

Collinwood described the new store as a bridge between the campus and the alumni community, offering a one-stop location off-campus for any WSU-related needs.

"That really gives them easy access to all things Weber State," she said.

The anniversary celebration also extends to downtown Ogden. Many city employees will wear commemorative purple clothing on Tuesday, and the grounds of the Ogden City Municipal Building will be decorated with 125 WSU flags.

Several downtown businesses will offer deals and discounts on Tuesday to customers who wear purple or mention Weber State's anniversary, such as $12.50 specials at Iggy's and Two Bit Street Cafe or two-for-one admission at iRock, iFly and Flowrider.

"Our local downtown businesses have been fantastic about getting on board with this and doing what they can to support," Collinwood said.

A full list of participating businesses, as well as a schedule of events, is available on the Weber State University website. A corresponding event will also take place at the university's Davis campus.